Animal science major Rachel Van Buren ’24, originally from Lowville, New York, is one of four CALS undergraduate students to be awarded a 2020 Chobani Scholarship. In addition to her studies, she works on two small dairy farms near her hometown and cares for her own herd of cattle. She’s an active member of Cornell University Dairy Science Club, Sigma Alpha Sorority, 4-H and New York Jr. Holstein Association. Here, she shares more about her roots and her student experience.
What is your connection to dairy farming?
I did not grow up on the typical dairy farm. Though my family did have a barn on our property, it mostly housed beef cattle or replacement heifers. At a young age, my sibling and I became very involved in showing dairy cattle. This was my first taste of the dairy industry. As our show herd grew, I realized that I loved working with dairy cattle. I began working on two local dairy farms while I was in middle school, where I would help with chores and milking. I am still employed at both farms. On the home farm, I care for our small herd of registered Holsteins and beef cattle.
Why is it important to you to pursue a career in the industry?
I must thank the dairy industry for shaping me into the person I am today. Pursuing a career would enable me to give back to this industry that has provided me with so many skills and opportunities. The dairy industry has given me my life's passion and I am looking forward to joining the next generation of dairy professionals.
What do you think is important for others to know about the dairy industry?
Dairy farmers are here to serve the public and want to provide everyone with the best possible products. At college, I hear so many of my peers criticize the dairy industry for the way they treat the land and their animals. There is a growing gap between consumers and dairy farmers, which is frightening. In the last decade, the dairy industry has taken drastic strides to become more environmentally conscious, and it continues to do so. Happy cows are also profitable cows, and farmers aim to improve the comfort and welfare of their cattle every day.
How has CALS shaped your understanding of animal science and dairy management?
Since entering CALS, I have gained a better understanding of the dairy and agriculture industries in general. There is a fantastic group of professors in the Animal Science Department whose different perspectives have given me such a strong foundation to excel in my future ventures in the dairy industry.
What experience has been most meaningful to you during your first year at Cornell?
I am extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to attend Cornell in person this academic year. Many of my friends from home had to take all their courses online and had no personal interactions with their peers. Cornell used all their resources to make sure the fall semester was as normal as possible. Despite the restrictions of COVID-19, I have still met a great group of friends and have enjoyed getting to know my professors, unlike many other students my age.
